Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
Elevate your childhood favorite with these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats! The nutty richness of brown butter pairs perfectly with the creamy, caramel-like dulce de leche, creating a decadent version of the classic crispy treat. Whether you’re whipping these up for a bake sale, a weekend indulgence, or just because, these treats are bound to impress.
Every time I make these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats, it feels like pure magic. My family loves Rice Krispie treats, but the first time I added brown butter and dulce de leche, my husband declared it his all-time favorite dessert. The kitchen fills with the warm, nutty aroma of browning butter, and when I stir in the dulce de leche, it’s pure heaven. We now make these for special family gatherings or as a comforting weekend treat—my kids love helping press the mixture into the pan (and sneaking bites along the way).
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
•Decadent Flavor: Brown butter adds depth, while dulce de leche gives these treats a rich, caramel-like flavor.
•Easy to Make: No-bake and simple to whip up in less than 20 minutes!
•Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, bake sales, or family movie nights.
•A New Classic: This twist on the traditional Rice Krispie treat will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients Notes for Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
•Brown Butter: This adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that makes these treats extra special.
•Dulce de Leche: Creamy and rich, it blends beautifully with the marshmallow base.
•Mini Marshmallows: Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture.
•Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic crispy base for that perfect crunch.
•Sea Salt (Optional): A sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the sweetness with a touch of balance.
Recipe Steps for Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Brown the Butter
1.In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter begins to foam and turns a golden brown color, with a nutty aroma. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add the Marshmallows and Dulce de Leche
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2.Reduce heat to low and stir in one 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until melted.
3.Once the marshmallows are fully melted, stir in 1/2 cup of dulce de leche and mix until well combined.
Step 3: Stir in the Rice Krispies
4.Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until the cereal is fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Step 4: Press into the Pan
5.Grease a 9×13-inch pan and press the mixture evenly into the pan with a greased spatula or wax paper.
6.For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle additional dulce de leche over the top and lightly swirl it into the surface.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
7.Let the Rice Krispie treats cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Storage Options
•Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
•Refrigerate: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
•Freeze: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
•Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for a richer flavor.
•Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch.
•Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make these treats gluten-free.
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 10 oz marshmallows about 5 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche store-bought or homemade
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Pinch of salt
- Extra dulce de leche for drizzling, optional
- Sea salt for topping, optional
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Marshmallows and Dulce de Leche: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the marshmallows and dulce de leche to the browned butter, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Add a pinch of salt and the Rice Krispies cereal to the mixture. Stir until the cereal is fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Press into Pan: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands (greasing them lightly will help prevent sticking).
- Cool and Cut: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares.
- Optional Toppings: Drizzle extra dulce de leche over the top and sprinkle with sea salt for an added touch of sweetness and flavor, if desired.
